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Raleigh[1] was named for Sir Walter Raleigh, the famed English soldier, adventurer, and poet. It is the capital of North Carolina and home to North Carolina State University[2], the state's largest university, as well as two historically black universities (Shaw University[3] and Saint Augustine's College[4]), and two liberal arts colleges (Meredith College[5], which is a women's college, and William Peace University[6], which recently became coeducational.)

With a plethora of things to see and do, Raleigh is a wonderful place to live, work, or visit.

In September 2011, BusinessWeek.com named Raleigh "America's Best City" citing the restaurants, bars, museums, educational institutions and sports franchises as quality of life perks. [7]

The Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau operates the Raleigh Visitor Information Center[8]. The Visitor Information Center (VIC) is located at 500 Fayetteville Street between the Raleigh Marriott City Center and The Raleigh Convention Center. Phone: 919-834-5900 / 800-849-8499. The VIC is open Monday thru Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and offers brochures, event calendars, coupons, maps, and other visitor information. Stop by and pick up a brochure or visit the website to view a visitor guide online or order one to be mailed before your trip.

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (IATA: RDU), (ICAO: KRDU), [9]. A former hub of American Airlines and Midway Airlines, the airport today is one of the larger national airports without official hub status - some 9 million passengers embark and deplane annually, making it one of the nation's fastest-growing airports. American's strong continued presence here gives RDU a direct flight to London Heathrow, and a broad span of carriers (both traditional and low-cost) offering flights to most East Coast and some Western cities (Las Vegas, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, and occasionally Los Angeles and Denver).

Interstates 85 and 95, though they do not directly enter Raleigh, provide easy access to the city from up and down the Eastern Seaboard; large access routes from these interstates provide easy access to the city.

US 1, the East Coast corridor route, cuts through Raleigh on its way from New York to the Florida Keys; within the city limits US 1 is known as Capital Blvd.

Amtrak, 320 West Cabarrus Street, [10]. Three routes serve the Raleigh station: the Piedmont runs twice-daily to Charlotte, a trip of just over three hours. There's also two long-distance routes, both daily runs: the Carolinian and Silver Star lines, both of which head north through Richmond, Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia to New York City, while the Carolinian follows the Piedmont south to Charlotte and the Silver Star heads south through Columbia and Savannah to Florida. The Silver Star also stops in the neighboring town of Cary, which may be more conveniently located for access to some parts of Raleigh.

Triangle Transit, +1 919 549-9999, [13]. The Triangle's inter-city bus service runs routes between Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and RDU, with a hub in the Research Triangle Park. Fares are $2.50 per trip.

Within the I-440 Beltline are mostly fashionable older neighborhoods and the NC State University area. The North Raleigh neighborhoods are aligned along the "spokes of the wheel"—major thoroughfares emanating from the I-440 Loop and passing through the northern edge of the much larger I-540 loop.

Downtown Raleigh provides easy travel and access through its grid of one-way streets. If you're just passing through, the major thoroughfare is Capital Boulevard (US 401), which splits into Dawson Street heading south and McDowell Street heading north. From the west, it is Hillsborough Street, interrupted midway by the state Capitol building. To the east, it continues as New Bern Avenue (US 64).

The I-440 Beltline was once denoted with "Inner" and "Outer" labels, but they have been phased out in favor of "East" and "West." I-440 West was previously the Outer Beltline, and I-440 East was previously the Inner Beltline. I-440's concurrency with I-40 through the souther portion of Raleigh has also been removed; therefore, the Beltline no longer loops back on itself.

Raleigh is known for particularly aggressive parking enforcement and towing, so be sure to follow all parking signs and rules.

Nature Research Center[20], 11 W. Jones St. Opening in April 2012, the Nature Research Center (NRC), a new 80,000 square-foot wing of the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, will draw visitors to it's 3-story multimedia globe structure that houses exhibits such as a 10,000 gallon aquarium.

North Carolina Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Road, +1 919 839-6262, [21]. A top notch art museum in a beautiful, modern building with ancient art, Renaissance religious works and modern and contemporary art. With rotating exhibits, summer outdoor film series, and a fantastic sculpture garden with a nice path through it. The museum is definitely worth a stop if you like art.

Carolina Hurricanes (NHL Ice Hockey), 1400 Edwards Mill Road, +1 919 861-2323 or +1 866-NHL-CANES, [30]. Raleigh's NHL hockey team plays at the PNC Arena [31]. A good atmosphere and family-friendly crowds make this an excellent place to spend an evening during fall and winter. The "Canes" won the Stanley Cup (the NHL championship) in 2006 and are known throughout the league for enthusiastic fans and for being one of the few tailgating hotspots in the NHL.

William B. Umstead State Park, 8801 Glenwood Ave., [32]. Picnic, hike, go fishing, or just rent a canoe and relax. A nice quiet place near Raleigh-Durham airport.

North Carolina State Wolfpack[33]. The sports teams representing North Carolina State University, competing in the Atlantic Coast Conference along with 15 other schools along the East Coast. Football and basketball games are popular in addition to other sports. Games against local rivals The University of North Carolina and Duke University draw particular interest across the region.

North Carolina State Fair One of the largest fairs of its kind in America, this ten day long event has recently drawn over 1,000,000 to the State Fairgrounds to sample North Carolina produce, attend concerts, ride fair rides and feast on deep-fried Twinkies.

Lake Johnson Nature Park, 4601 Avent Ferry Rd., ☎(919) 233-2121, [35]. Open during daylight every day of the week. A pleasant nature trail winds about 3.5 miles around the eastern half of the lake, and another dirt trail exists on the northwestern shore of the lake. Ideal for hiking and biking. Paddle boats can also be rented for money.Free. edit

Joel Lane Museum House, 160 South Saint Mary's Street (Corner of St. Mary's & Hargett Streets), ☎919-833-3431, [36]. vary. A Georgian-style manor plantation house built circa 1770 by Colonel Joel Lane, patriot, statesman, and planter, Col. Lane's home has been faithfully restored and is filled with period artifacts. The site houses three historic stuctures, including a very simple circa 1790 middle-class home interpreted as a kitchen and a circa 1840 Visitors Center. It is open for tours led by costumed docents W-F at 10:00, 11:00, noon, and 1PM and on Saturdays at 1:00, 2:00 and 3PM. Groups may schedule other itmes by appointment. Email address is joellane@bellsouth.net. $5, $4, $3. edit

Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 East South St (Downtown between Salisbury and Wilmington streets, 5 blocks south of the State Capitol), ☎919.831.6060, [37]. The performing arts center includes 3 primary venues. Memorial Auditorium is the largest and hosts diverse events such as the Carolina Ballet and traveling theater productions of Broadway Series South. Meymandi Concert Hall is home to the North Carolina Symphony. Fletcher Opera Theater is a more intimate setting and hosts events such as Raleigh Chamber Music Guild concerts.edit

Cameron Village, [39] located inside the Beltline on Oberlin Road between Hillsborough Street and Wade Avenue, +1 919 821-1350. The first shopping center between Atlanta and DC, Cameron Village is today a major destination point. Home to many of Raleigh's oldest boutique stores, the development also includes restaurants, a grocery store, and the Wake County's flagship public library. Hours vary depending on the store.

North Hills Shopping Center[42] 4217 Six Forks Rd. Recently transformed into a mixed-use center, North Hills has transformed itself from a drab 1960s mall to a mixed-use mecca. Along with Cameron Village, the complex houses a large number of of trendy boutiques in Raleigh; the center also is home to a grocery store, movie theater, Target, JC Penny, and a variety of restaurants and retail. Hours vary according to the store.

Seaboard Station[43] (downtown near William Peace University) Designed to showcase the local, independent retailer, shopping at Seaboard Station is a bright, airy prospect. Along with many unique specialty shops, you'll also find a salon, fitness center and options for dining. Individual business hours vary.

City Market (Moore Square, downtown Raleigh) Historic City Market is home to art galleries, restaurants and specialty shops. Cobblestone streets lit by lamps give the area a 19th-century feel

Raleigh Flea Market[44] (1025 Blue Ridge Rd, NC State Fairgrounds) The Flea Market, featuring 600 vendors offering all sorts of antiques, collectibles, furniture, electronics and more, is open every Saturday and Sunday from 9am-6pm. Parking and admission is free.

Blue Water Spa, 10941 Raven Ridge Rd (Near Falls of Neuse and Durant Rd), ☎919 870-6066, [45]. Voted best medical spa in America 3 consecutive years Blue Water Spa is North Raleigh's destination for pampering, relaxation and aesthetic enhancements. the home spa boutique is a great place to indulge or to pick up a great hostess giftedit

BBQ, [47]. There are several excellent choices for eastern-style barbecue in the Raleigh area. One of the local favorites. New place is Falls River Smokehouse @ 8320 Litchford Rd in Litchford Village.9199541190.Check out Review.http://hkentcraig.com/BBQ65.html. Open W-Sa 7AM to 9PM.

Boylan Bridge Brewpub, 201 South Boylan Avenue, +1 919803-8927, [48]. Amazing view of Raleigh from the Boylan Bridge, great place to eat or drink outside while overlooking the city.

The Irregardless Cafe, 901 W. Morgan St, +1 919 833-8898, [54]. A Raleigh institution since the 1970s, the Irregardless offers an eclectic menu including creative vegetarian options. Jazz music every night and dancing on Saturday nights.

Krispy Kreme, 543 North Person St, +1 919 833-3682. For now, the only one of the popular Winston-Salem-based doughnut maker in the Triangle is a landmark that nearby residents use to give directions. Look for the "Hot Doughnuts Now" sign for a little round piece of glazed heaven. Quite popular with the students of nearby Broughton and Enloe High Schools, especially in the early morning hours, so plan accordingly.

Lilly's Pizza, 1813 Glenwood Ave, +1 919 833-0226, [55]. Part hippie, yuppie, bohemian, and retro, Lilly's is an experience all to its own. Located in the popular Five Points district means that parking can be a problem, especially when a popular film is screening at the nearby Rialto theater. If you're adventerous, you can access Five Points by the number 2 CAT bus.

Loco Pops, 1908 Hillsborough Street, [56]. A popsicle place serving hand crafted, locally made popsicles. Located near NC State's campus, it is a common choice among college students. Options also include sugar-free popsicles for diabetics.

Roast Grill, 7 South West St, +1 919 832-8292. If you're looking for a hot dog and a bottle of Coke, this is the place in downtown Raleigh. If you're looking for ketchup, though, you may just be asked to leave. Run by a family of Greek immigrants in a tiny room added to the front of their house since 1940.

Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern, 300 Hillsborough St, +1 919 829-3663, [60]. Enjoy gourmet fare in the restored Dodd-Hinsdale House, built in 1879 in the Second Empire Victorian style.

Sushi Nine, 3812 Western Boulevard Raleigh, ☎919.900.8203, [62]. 11am to 11pm. A great selection of BOGO sushi rolls offered all day everyday. Also offers a mix of Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, and Chinese entrees. Full bar. edit

Cup a Joe, Two locations: Hillsborough St. just west of NCSU or Mission Valley center. All day. The best coffee shop in Raleigh and the vicinity; both locations have same menu and prices, but the Hillsborough St. location has more artsy, hipstery type, and bicycle parking is easier. Wednesdays have $1 espresso. Drinks like mochas, lattes, etc come with up to six shots of espresso, but be forewarned: these are six doubles! $2-6. edit

The Pit, 328 W. Davie Street, [65]. M-Th 11am-10pm, F & Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 11am-9pm. A huge, very popular and high-end barbeque joint, the Pit has big servings of all manner of BBQ, including Eastern North Carolina style chopped barbeque, NC-style ribs, and a whole lot more. Fantastic sides. You may be in for a long wait, however.edit

Southwest Raleigh, particularly the area along Hillsborough Street, resembles a college town, so there are plenty of places to find a drink. What is more, the city has a number of microbreweries. For cheaper places, try near the campus of North Carolina State University on Hillsborough Street. (A scene in "Bull Durham" was filmed in Mitch's Tavern.) The downtown area known as Glenwood South has a few more upscale bars and is located between Glewood Ave and Harrington Street and between Peace Street and Hillsborough Street just northwest of downtown. The City Market area around Moore Square also offers a good mix of both. Some good places to start would be:

Carolina Brewing Company[66] - 140 Thomas Mill Rd in Holly Springs - CBC conducts weekly tours on Saturday afternoons, and it's best to arrive anywhere from 15-30 minutes early to make sure you get a sample of their beer both prior to the tour. No fear if you arrive late, however, as the taps are typically open for an hour afterwards as well. CBC brews an India Pale Ale, a Nut Brown Ale, and the Carolina Pale Ale year round (available at the brewery, in local stores, and in many local bars and restaurants) and usually has one or two seasonal beers available only at the brewery or on tap at select local establishments.

Big Boss Brewing company[67] - 1249 Wicker Dr in Raleigh - Big Boss conducts monthly tours on Saturday afternoons, and it's usually best to check the website to find out exactly when. As with CBC, it's a good idea to get there a bit early, as there's usually a pretty good crowd there. Big Boss brews an assortment of seasonal beers that are distributed locally in addition to their year-round Bad Penny Brown Ale, Helles Belle Belgian Blond, and Angry Angel Kolsch Ale that are also sold in bottles at local stores. Big Boss also features an on-site pub called Horniblows Tavern. Though not located in one of the trendy areas of town, Horniblows is a great place for knocking back a couple of brews and solving the world's problems with your mates.

Lonerider Brewing Company[68] - 8816 Gulf Court #100 in Raleigh near the airport and Brier Creek. One of the areas nearest breweries, it has quickly penetrated the market. Often considered a brewers brewery, they offer a handful or more of well-crafted beers. Brewery tours fairly regularly at about once a month.

The Raleigh Times Bar - 14 E. Hargett Street. Snug in the offices of the former Raleigh Times newspaper, this broadsheet turned gastropub is the place for people watching over a pint (or a half pint) of craft-brewed beer.

Natty Greenes Brewing Company, 505 W. Jones St. Raleigh, ☎(919) 232.2477, [69]. Natty Greene's is a restaurant and brewery with a good selection of beers, and above average bar food. Thursday is half-off pint night, but be aware that it will be busy. If you're only drinking a couple, come on another night when you will have a better chance at using the shuffleboard and pool table.edit

Foundation, 213 Fayetteville Street, [71]. A speakeasy cocktail spot located in a basement downtown, Foundation has an amusing premise: due to North Carolina's liquor laws, if you only serve alcohol, you must be a private club. Thus you have to pay $1 to "join" foundation, then you can go down and enjoy the cocktails. The bartenders can be busy, but the drinks are pretty tasty.edit

Those not from the American South should be sure to order "sweet tea". Sweet tea, along with Sundrop and Cheerwine, has long been considered a native beverage, and is served in most restaurants. The sweetness will vary in accordance with the locale, but is nevertheless much sweeter than any tea served elsewhere in the nation. Not recommended for diabetics.

Clarion Hotel, 320 Hillsborough St., ☎ +1 919 832 0501. [74] The 20-story hotel is undergoing its first major renovation since the 1960s. Try to get a room on the lower floors, which are being fixed up first.

Days Inn, 300 North Dawson St., ☎ +1 919 828 9081. Closest to Glenwood South, where many bars and restaurants are located.

Courtyard Raleigh-Durham Airport, 2001 Hospitality Court, ☎919-467-9444, [88]. This hotel in Morrisville, NC is located at the heart of the Triangle, nestled between Research Triangle Park (RTP), Cary and Brier Creek.(35.858774,-78.815636)edit

Raleigh's crime is below average for an American city of it's size, but one still must be cautious and intelligent. In particular, stay to the busy and well lit parts of downtown after dark, and avoid the neighborhoods immediately south or east of downtown after dark. The NC State University campus and vicinity are safe and heavily trafficked during the day and evening, but use the university’s public safety escort service in the early hours of the morning. Throughout Raleigh, you should think before using an automated teller machine (ATM) after dark, unless it's located in a mall or other heavily traveled, well-lit area.

Umstead Park, easily accessible by car, bus, or bike, Umstead is a natural haven from the Triangle's urban zones, centrally located next to RDU Intl. Airport. Miles of trails, both paved and unpaved, provide access for hikers, campers, bikers and joggers to three lakes and over 5380 acres.

Fearrington Plantation, [93] located in Pittsboro, is an ideal weekend getaway to the countryside. Home to one of only a few AAA four-diamond hotels in the state, this inn (and complementing village of shops) can run heavy on the wallet, but the luxurious experience is more than worth it. Perfect for a romantic weekend getaway.

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!